Sacrifice's Rise: I Became Invincible After Entering Godslayer Temple

Not far from the town of Styx, Duke Arsena, Natasha, and Shatras found themselves trapped in a labyrinth.

The trio was deeply concerned about their current predicament, as they had been cut off from communication with anyone else.

Despite Duke Arsena sending numerous messages to John, there had been no response.

"It seems the dangers we've encountered in the Dark Realm have exceeded our expectations. I had thought that with John's strength, we could overcome any crisis we faced here. John is likely engaged in battle with a Devil in Styx town. The crisis we're facing now is probably not due to attrition but the work of some high-ranking demons."

Duke Arsena made his assessment.

He believed that the Devils would not target him specifically but would focus on John instead.

After all, once the four of them entered the Dark Realm, the Devils there must have become aware of their presence.

"Why would the Devils target us, who are not as strong? Even if they could defeat us, they would ultimately have to face John." Duke Arsena pondered the lack of logic in Devils targeting them directly.

Shatras didn't provide an immediate answer, finding the current situation perplexing. Upon entering the Dark Realm, she hadn't felt such a strong presence of water element before. Yet, within this maze, she sensed a water element power comparable to that of the Naga tribe, suggesting a significant connection between the labyrinth and water element.

This was particularly baffling for Natasha. How could there be such a concentration of water element power in the Dark Realm?

After some thought, Shatras shared her feelings with Duke Arsena and Natasha: "I sense a very strong presence of water element power, and I can't understand why such a force would be here. Even if John were using a powerful water element spell, we should detect his presence first. If John isn't using water element magic, then where is this power coming from?"

Shatras's question momentarily stunned Duke Arsena and Natasha. As non-spellcasters, they were not particularly sensitive to the presence of water elements.

It was only after Shatras pointed out the anomaly that they became aware of the surrounding water elements.

Duke Arsena quickly responded by casting a Holy Light Blessing spell, creating a barrier in front of them to ensure that any water element attacks could not harm them.

"I'm not suggesting that the water element present in the maze poses a threat to us. It's just unusual for there to be such an abundance of water element in the Dark Realm. Could it be that this maze was created by a demon proficient in using water elements? Perhaps the Abyssal Fearmonger?

Her Majesty once told me that the Abyssal Fearmonger is among the demons most skilled in manipulating water elements. Moreover, there are a series of barriers within this maze. It's possible the Abyssal Fearmonger set this trap to confine us here, coordinating with other Devils to target John. We must find a way out of this maze quickly. Although John is incredibly powerful, facing the assault of three Devils could potentially overwhelm him."

Shatras was indeed deeply concerned for John, grateful for the help he had provided her.

She didn't want to see someone as benevolent as John fall prey to the attacks of multiple Devils in the Dark Realm.

Moreover, Shatras harbored a degree of mistrust towards Duke Arsena and Natasha, suspecting they were merely using John for their own ends.

Duke Arsena and Natasha exchanged looks, both recognizing the validity in Shatras's concerns.

However, they were at a loss for finding a way out of the maze.

"You're right; we need to find a way out as soon as possible. But it seems we can't find an exit. Aren't you proficient in water element magic? Perhaps you could find a vulnerability in this maze. Given the abundance of water elements here, you should be able to seek their assistance," Duke Arsena suggested, hoping to leverage Shatras's expertise.

Natasha remained the most composed among them, able to consolidate all the information they had in the face of crisis.

She quickly identified who was most likely to help them escape the predicament.

Naturally, that person could only be Shatras, the Legend Magus of the Naga tribe, given her mastery over water element spells.

Shatras gave a nod of acknowledgment, recognizing her notable proficiency in the realm of water element magic.

Previously, she had endeavored to engage in communication with the water elements native to the surrounding area, hoping to harness their power.

However, it became apparent that these elements harbored a deep-seated hostility towards the Naga race.

Far from being allies, these water elements not only refused to lend their aid to Shatras but also took active measures to exacerbate her condition, showcasing an unexpected and troubling animosity that made her efforts all the more challenging.

"I am indeed skilled in water element magic, but the water elements here are very hostile towards us Naga. They seem to harbor intense hatred for our kind."

Hearing this, Duke Arsena felt confident in his assessment that their current predicament was caused by the Abyssal Fearmonger.

Only the Abyssal Fearmonger possessed both the ability to wield water element magic and a deep-seated hatred for the Naga.

"It appears our situation is the work of the Abyssal Fearmonger! In that case, we should resort to spells that target dark power! I'll cast a Holy Light spell; you two prepare your defenses!"

With Duke Arsena's plan set, both Shatras and Natasha readied themselves for defense, understanding that they might not be able to contribute much in the upcoming confrontation.

Duke Arsena raised his Silver Sword, which, with the aid of the powerful Holy Light, transformed into a beam of pure, dazzling light.

This radiant light illuminated the entire maze, dispelling all water elements and dark powers within it.

It was only then that Duke Arsena truly grasped the reality of their situation— they were not in a maze at all, but within the vast body of the Abyssal Fearmonger, a colossal Devil whose size dwarfed even that of Storm City.

The dispersal of the water elements and dark powers by the Holy Light also drew the Abyssal Fearmonger's attention.

Countless eyes of the Abyssal Fearmonger turned towards Duke Arsena, making him feel as if his blood had frozen instantly.

"Run! I'll try to delay the Abyssal Fearmonger's attack!"

Despite knowing the grave danger of the upcoming battle, Duke Arsena chose not to flee. Instead, he resolved to buy time for Shatras and Natasha to escape.

For Duke Arsena, Shatras and Natasha were merely allies providing assistance, and he was prepared to face the Abyssal Fearmonger alone to ensure their safety.

Duke Arsena was resolved to fight with all his might, recognizing his role as the one who must battle most fiercely.

However, Shatras and Natasha did not choose to flee.

They understood that escape was likely futile and that their safety depended on standing united with Duke Arsena in battle.

"How could I possibly choose to run? If I fled and you were to fall in the Dark Realm, how would I explain to the Emperor? I will stand and fight alongside you, for I do not fear the Abyssal Fearmonger. Having defeated other malevolent beings, I am confident I can defeat a Devil of the Dark Realm. After all, I have battled other Devils before," Natasha spoke with an ease that belied the tension beneath her words.

Despite her role as a General of the Northern Myst Empire's guard, she was acutely aware of the formidable challenge Devils represented.

Beside her, Shatras remained silent, focusing on her preparations for the imminent fight.

She had removed the seals from the god-tier spell scrolls she carried, readying herself to unleash powerful oceanic spells against the Abyssal Fearmonger.

This act signaled her readiness to employ her most potent magic in the confrontation with the Devil.